UniSun: Aug. 5, 2007

Cover Story

Reunions bring families together

Benetta Thomas-Jones still remembers the day she first realized the importance of keeping her family's history alive.

First person

2 years later, Katrina's pain still resonates

When Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans, I, like everyone else, watched helplessly as the city was devastated by waves of water that poured through broken levees.

Relationships

Changing a hurtful image of Dad

He's crying again. Daddy must be drunk, I remember thinking as he sat on the edge of the bed in my parents' room. About 6 years old on that fall morning in 1983, I had grown used to this behavior. Usually during the week, my father was subdued and pleasant after work.

Celebrity

G. Garvin cooks up fun, looks for the one

Gerry Garvin struts down the aisle with a black chef's smock, sunglasses, knee-length khaki shorts and clogs to deliver a cooking presentation at a health fair at a local church.

Health

Mo'Nique's big idea: self-image

For most of her career, Mo'Nique has championed the cause of big and voluptuous women.

Books

Black notables shaped state of Florida

There's a story behind Caesar's Creek and Caesar's Rock, two landmarks in Biscayne Bay that probably are more familiar to boaters and locals than to the public at large.

A new gospel

Where do you go to find out about the history of gospel music?

Food

Salsa can spice up summer meals

Ah, the lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer are here, and gardens are overflowing with fresh vegetables.

Calendar

Whole lotta fun heads this way

Aug. 8

Social Scene

Summer fests mean food, music, fun

Summer is a great time to enjoy the food, music and culture of Baltimore.

Editor's Note

When I was a child, each September my father's side of the family had a homecoming weekend. That was our family reunion of sorts because it was sometimes the only time of the year when I would see most of my aunts, uncles and cousins in one place.

Contributors

Ericka Blount Danois is native of Washington who lives in Baltimore. She has written for regional publications, including Baltimore magazine and The Washington Post. In this edition, Danois talks with Gerry Garvin of TV One's Turn Up The Heat with G. Garvin, who was in town recently. In another article, she writes about Baltimore's Mo'Nique who continues her crusade for acceptance of plus-size women. Danois asks experts about whether what Mo'Nique is promoting is healthy for women of color.

Flashback

This issue's Flashback: Who is this famous person? Hint: We celebrate every year because of his invention.